Radiant
by Ken

Comment:
First, let me say that I do a lot of flower shots. I know what goes into them and I know the thinking behind them. That said, if I were voting on this in a basic challenge, I would give it a 7 (6 in advanced). White flowers are extremely difficult as they essentially come with blown highlights. :) Because of that, you really have to watch your lighting and not over-light the scene. I like the overall texture here but I would like to see a little more texture in each individual petal. I am not a fan of that shade of purple. Personal preference. Also, having the background match takes a little away touch of purple in the center. But, I could think that just because I don't like that color. The composition is good. I am back and forth on the depth of field used. I like what you have and at the same time I like to see it deeper. Overall, a good photo. Just needs a little oomph from lightly more dramatic (less bright) lighting. To score an 8, fix the background color - black or white works for me. :) To score a 9, give me more raking light or back light - somethign with a little more drama. I think Tuckersmom and Sher9204 have some of the more beautiful images of flowers that transcend the genre.

Planting Time
by glad2badad

Comment:
This is actually very good - technically and compositionally. The only weak thing I can find is the lack of fill light on the right hand side, very slight blow out at the top. The colors are forcing me to use the word marvelous. Depth of field is excellent. Okay, I just pulled the image into photoshop. I'm wondering if your monitor displays darker than mine as I can see the line separating the wall and the ground. If you darkened levels very slightly so that disappears and run a slight curves adjustment, the parts of the still life really pop. Only added that as an insight - some people with dark or light monitors see differently. Anyway, I think, for a boring subject (most all still lifes are boring), you creating an exceptional image that I could see in a garden magazine. I like the lighting but feel a slight amount of fill on the right would help. If I was voting on this challenge, I would probably give this at least a 7 if not more.

private
by tcmartin

Comment:
excellent lighting. very good tonal conversion. 7

I'm never that sharp in real life too you know
by Titia

Comment:
I think this works well for me bacause of the border you used. It echoes the reflection and overall image. Good work! 7

Reveal Thyself
by SherwinJames

Comment:
composed and exposed perfectly. Very well done 8

marked for life
by goc

Comment:
Love this. Takes me back to the old, urban B&Ws, very well done - excellent composition. 8

Happiness
by Djabordjabor

Comment:
Its difficult not to enjoy this image. Excellently done! 8

Who needs Models.......I do !!
by sir_bazz

Comment:
well taken. Love the lighting. 8

Reflective
by pidge

Comment:
For me the tones make this work. But I also think the bottom could be cropped. Well taken image. 8

Portrait of a Rider
by seebrown

Comment:
excellent photograph, excellent environment. not much of a portrait. 6